Campus Demonstrations: Being Prepared

Campus Demonstrations: Being Prepared

This presentation is not complete without the accompanying speaker comments and discussion. Any work product provided by Districts Mutual Insurance must be viewed in conjunction with all guidance given by national, regional, and local authorities, as well as your College s legal counsel. Moreover, the information given and comments made in this presentation should not be interpreted as legal advice or legal opinion.

Campus Demonstrations Tim McNulty District Mutual Insurance, Campus Security Consultant Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, Security Mgr. Ashwaubenon Public Safety, Retired Commander Additional Resource Credit: Lieutenant Dave McCaw Madison Police Department, Special Events Coordinator

Planning Experience

Primary Steps Designate a person or committee to handle planning of special events. Do you have policy and procedures? Public Assembly Policy State and local Ordinances 1st Amendment Right to Freedom of Speech Do you have to give a speaker a platform? Legal Council Consult

Primary Steps Application process in place Meet with organizers to define clear expectations of presenters and audience. Outside source Vs. Student based Determine Peaceful or Violence potential? Picketers Passing out materials Protestors

Defined Contract Costs Involved? Location Primary Steps Size, Fire marshal, Counts Time frame of event Public Vs. Private event Ticket admission

Primary Steps Defined contract (Continued) Signage allowed? Alcohol allowed? Presenters and colleges expectations Security (police, private or internal) Speaker protection?

Primary Steps Insurance in place? Identify Deal breakers and authority to cancel event Signage Not allowed items Bathrooms/First Aid stations Food/Vendors Exits

Primary Steps Learn about the group Application Internet search/facebook Previous issues at other colleges/venues Following Involve the local Police and Fire departments Traffic control/parking concerns Will neighbors be affected

Primary Steps Meet often (no stone left unturned) Command post with appropriate members Management, facilities, security, IT Communication tools (radios, cells) Well defined area for protestors Separate media Consequences for violators Removal or fine assessed Consistency

Primary Steps Marshals/Volunteers Keeping isles open Giving direction/assistance Defined role Prior to event conduct practice table top from beginning to end with management groups What if?..then! Conduct walk through with all parties involved Looking for areas of concern Google Earth for exterior concerns

The Demonstration Planned Vs. Spontaneous Policy and procedures in place Media management and releases Screening areas Video event and areas of concern

The Demonstration Conduct debriefing with EVERYONE Get feed back from all entities Compile all complaints and follow up Document Document Document!!!

Goal of Safe Demonstration 1. PROTECT citizen s constitutional rights to assemble, petition the government and engage in free speech. 2. Be IMPARTIAL and remain neutral regardless of the issue. 3. Maintain OPEN DIALOGUE with citizens and the news media before, during and after events/demonstrations.

Goal of Safe Demonstration 4. MONITOR demonstrations and marches to protect individual rights and ensure public safety. 5. BALANCE the rights of demonstrators with the rights of the community at large. 6. Use RESTRAINT in the use of force. Protect people first and property second. 7. Pursue CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT of your methods.

Prepared?

Questions / Comments Tim McNulty- Campus Security Consultant McNulty@districtsmutualinsurance.com tel: 920-634-5205 Thank you!